January 2026

A new year begins in the Corbières. 

The cold weather hasn't dampened our teams' motivation to begin the development and rehabilitation of the hiking trails affected by the fire...

Do you know how a hiking trail is built?

Even before the first trail marker was put up, the story of the path began around a table, at the initiative of the Communauté de Communes (CCRLCM), in the welcoming town hall. The Tourist Office, involved with its work integration program, forged the first links with the partner municipality, local stakeholders, local hunting, biodiversity, and heritage associations, and the managers of protected areas… It was there that the idea of ​​a path was born, still invisible, but already full of promise.

Then comes the time for walking. Roman He surveys the territory, notebook in hand, scrutinizing the terrain, possible routes, and areas to avoid. Designing a trail means working with nature, but also with people: skirting private property, respecting local customs, and imagining a harmonious path. Every detour, every shaded area identified, every trace of the past, every viewpoint becomes a piece of the puzzle.

Once the route is planned, another adventure begins, more administrative but just as essential. It's necessary to request permission to cross the trail, communicate with the municipalities along the route, consult the National Forestry Office (ONF) if needed, and meet with private landowners to establish agreements. The trail is thus built as much in the office as in the undergrowth. Once this part is completed, it is presented to the CDESI by Anne (departmental commission) to be registered there.

The tourism hub is notified to integrate this new trail to be offered to visitors of the BIT. Claudine, seizes the technical elements provided by Roman in the database so that this new trail can be featured on our website.

A responsible approach has always guided every decision. The route deliberately avoids nesting areas, bypasses protected spaces, and preserves sensitive environments. Respect for living things is not a constraint, but a given for the Corbières Minervois Tourist Office.

A closer look at a new hike

In Argens-Minervois, in partnership with the League for the Protection of Birds, the Aude Claire federation, the LPO, the Paléocènes association, and the Department's environmental service, Tour of Lake Aiguilles You are invited to stroll and observe the fauna, flora, and geology from every corner of the lake. The walk is accompanied by the gentle lapping of the water, offering a peaceful setting where you can listen to the sounds of the lake's inhabitants. A birdwatching hide has been installed.

A project built with local stakeholders and a strong inclusive dimension

Le partnership with the Corbières Minervois Tourist Office The design of educational panels and interpretive materials, as well as the enhancement of the trail, were carried out in collaboration with the Corbières Minervois Tourist Office and the work integration program. For the creation and production of these materials, the municipality relied on local associations and businesses, which contributed their expertise.

The ornithological assessment carried out by the League for the Protection of Birds was conducted over a full year, comprising six observation sessions. It made it possible to identify 34 breeding speciesincluding 9 remarkable (woodlark, black-winged stilt, purple heron…) and 13 migratory species using the lake as a rest stop. The main problems identified concern the trampling of reedbeds disturbances related to visitor numbers, the presence of dogs and the passage of a sheep flockThe main recommendation made by the LPO is the installation of chestnut stakes in order to protect the most sensitive areas.

The habitat mapping and wildlife inventory conducted by Aude Claire highlighted a wide diversity of habitats : pine forests, lawns, wastelands, reedbeds, marly hillsides, lake environments… It also made it possible to identify three rare plants requiring special protection and to confirm the presence of curly pondweed, indicator of a good water qualityThe site boasts a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including: 30 species of orthopterans, 6 protected amphibian species (including Graf's frog), 18 species of dragonflies and damselflies, 16 species of bats, 45 species of butterflies et 12 species of reptiles.

These studies confirm the strong ecological interest of the lake and constitute the scientific basis of the project to enhance and protect the site.